Michael “Flea” Andrade

The son of Alfred and Mary Lou Andrade, Michael was called "Flea" by his friends and fellow firefighters of the Bristol, RI Volunteer Fire Department Dreadnaught Company. He was an easy spirit that could be found always smiling and in good cheer. He got his nickname because he was "skinny and always jumping around." Everyone enjoyed his jokes, his never ending energy and dedication, he was able to be counted upon both in times of crisis, as well as times of fun , such as the annual "Fireman's Muster" water battle and other events in which he participated with his usual humor and enthusiasm. A native to Bristol ,RI and self-professed "townie", he lived for his friends and family and loved his country. His instinct was always to help people and to serve both the small town and the nation with pride. He was a member of the RI Army National Guard with the 115th Military Police. He worked for a local collision center and enjoyed karaoke nights around the area. When he left for basic training, he left a tape of songs for his fellow employees. Even while in Iraq he called in a song to a fellow fireman and his new bride on their wedding day. His tragic accident happened three weeks later. While transporting supplies forty miles north of Baghdad, Iraq, the Humvee he was riding in was struck by a fuel truck. Not only rememberd well by friends but he was well liked among his fellow servicemen. "He was a very good soldier. He was always just a nice person," said Sgt. John Cervone, assigned to the same armory as Andrade. "Everybody would say how devoted he was to his family." In addition to his parents and three siblings, he is survived by his wife and step-son. His wake was held at the fire station where he loved to spend time. His uniform and helmet with "FLEA" emblazoned across the top was laid out on a table near his casket. He had worn the helmet for 10 years and responded vigilantly to calls both large and small. In November of 2003 Roger Williams University, with it's main campus located in Bristol, established a scholarship in his honor. The small town he loved and served as well as the large country in which it sits owes "Flea" and his family a debt of gratitude not only for his death in service but even more so for what he gave to us while he was alive.

The son of Alfred and Mary Lou Andrade, Michael was called "Flea" by his friends and fellow firefighters of the Bristol, RI Volunteer Fire Department Dreadnaught Company. He was an easy spirit that could be found always smiling and in good cheer. He got his nickname because he was "skinny and always jumping around." Everyone enjoyed his jokes, his never ending energy and dedication, he was able to be counted upon both in times of crisis, as well as times of fun , such as the annual "Fireman's Muster" water battle and other events in which he participated with his usual humor and enthusiasm. A native to Bristol ,RI and self-professed "townie", he lived for his friends and family and loved his country. His instinct was always to help people and to serve both the small town and the nation with pride. He was a member of the RI Army National Guard with the 115th Military Police. He worked for a local collision center and enjoyed karaoke nights around the area. When he left for basic training, he left a tape of songs for his fellow employees. Even while in Iraq he called in a song to a fellow fireman and his new bride on their wedding day. His tragic accident happened three weeks later. While transporting supplies forty miles north of Baghdad, Iraq, the Humvee he was riding in was struck by a fuel truck. Not only rememberd well by friends but he was well liked among his fellow servicemen. "He was a very good soldier. He was always just a nice person," said Sgt. John Cervone, assigned to the same armory as Andrade. "Everybody would say how devoted he was to his family." In addition to his parents and three siblings, he is survived by his wife and step-son. His wake was held at the fire station where he loved to spend time. His uniform and helmet with "FLEA" emblazoned across the top was laid out on a table near his casket. He had worn the helmet for 10 years and responded vigilantly to calls both large and small. In November of 2003 Roger Williams University, with it's main campus located in Bristol, established a scholarship in his honor. The small town he loved and served as well as the large country in which it sits owes "Flea" and his family a debt of gratitude not only for his death in service but even more so for what he gave to us while he was alive.

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